Las Cruces Onate High Football

Ultimate Gladiator Dash takes off in Las Cruces Saturday

LAS CRUCES - There won't be any sword-to-sword combat, fights with wild tigers or chariot matches, but participants in the first Ultimate Gladiator Dash coming Saturday to Las Cruces will need mental and physical strength to finish the event.

"My husband Victor Santos is participating with our 9-year-old son along with my brother, Tony Montenegro," said Kerry Santos on the Sun-News Facebook page. "Two grown boys will be getting muddy with the little boy!"

Like its namesake, modern day gladiators who participate in this dash will have to test their grit by running a little more than three miles on a path lined with 15 obstacles of varying difficulty.

The first wave of participants will begin at 8 a.m. at 2834 N. Telshor Blvd. - site of the former Tee Time driving range. A children's race will begin at 1 p.m. Spectators are welcome to line the route and join runners for live music, food vendors and family entertainment afterward.

According to event officials, more than 2,200 people have signed up for the race and registration is available beginning at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
Proceeds will benefit Operation Wounded Warrior and to Las Cruces Public Schools' Joint Ungraded Multi-Age Primary (JUMP) program.

Matlin Smith can be reached at 575-541-5468; follow her on Twitter @msmith_lcsun